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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mark Walker

Arran Strong: Tributes pour in for missing GB surfer after search called off

  • British surfer Arran Strong, 28, is presumed to have died after search efforts for him off the Portuguese coast were officially suspended.
  • Strong went missing on Monday morning while stand-up paddleboarding near Arrifana Beach in southern Portugal, with the National Maritime Authority confirming the suspension of its search on Wednesday night.
  • GB Surfing expressed profound sorrow, highlighting Strong's achievements as the highest-placed British male surfer at the 2024 and 2025 ISA World Surf Games, and remembering him as a “fantastic teammate and respected competitor”.
  • His long-time coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, who was with him at the time, shared a heartfelt tribute, recounting his attempts to find Strong after he became separated from his board.
  • Strong was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic disorder, at birth, and was an ambassador for Lovexair, with the European Lung Foundation also paying tribute to his contributions.

IN FULL

British surfer Arran Strong presumed dead as search halted after he went missing off Portuguese coast

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